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Dressing for Doctor

Recently, I finally surrendered to pains which have been nagging me for way to long. Much like the plumber with the leaky faucet, we, Doc families seem to be walking case studies of a plethora of ailments, aches, and pains - especially the adults. If something's hurting, I just wait until Doc H comes home, mention it in passing and wait for a response. Usually, I get no response other than a nod (translation: I have no idea. You’ll probably feel better in a day or two) or the raise of an eyebrow as he turns to walk toward me to better assess the situation (translation: It’s probably nothing, but I better take a look so she doesn’t get mad at me when she goes to her doctor and is prescribed meds).

My recent ailments sent me through a variety of departments. I went to my GP who then sent me to Podiatry and Radiology and then Podiatry sent me to Physical Therapy (oh, and let’s not forget the mammogram my GP ordered)...all within the hospital where my husband not only practices, but is Chief of his department.

Today was PT day. I woke up late, threw on my comfy warm clothes to drop the non-driving teens off at school. I broke the speeding limit a couple times on the drive home to make sure I had enough time to shower, do my hair and make-up and put on my work clothes for my visit to the doctor. Was I going into the office afterwards? No. Was I going to meet with a client? No. Was I going out to lunch with colleagues? No. I was dressed up because Doc H asked me to do so.

Now, don’t go getting your panties all twisted up in a wad. Doc H is the furthest thing from a controlling husband (and I know. That was my first husband.) However, I will admit my eyes rolled as my jaw hit the floor when he made this “dress for doctor” request. Here are his reasons:

As a patient - While many doctors give the same service and attention to all, some doctors do not (think Dr. Alex Karev from Grey's Anatomy). The patient who comes in looking disheveled and unkempt with grubby clothes may not receive the same level of attention and care as a patient who comes in looking clean, groomed and neatly dressed. Now, I know it’s not right and I am glad Doc H is very open-minded and non-judgmental. He is the first to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. He enjoys working with the underprivileged and finds it very rewarding.

As Your Doctor’s Wife - Apparently, I (and I mean, we, to those of you who are in my club) need to represent. Even if I am not feeling well, I still need to look my best and put my best foot forward. These are his colleagues and just as we like to be proud of our husbands, they like to be proud of us. Plus, despite HIPAA laws, you don’t think word would leak that you were there, right? I can just hear all the NA and MA's talking at lunch, "Did you see Doc H's wife? She came into clinic today. She looked awful!" Or my worst nightmare, "What does he see in her? She's homely looking!"

Can’t wait until the day I need a colonoscopy. I may have to go out of state for that one.

So, I see Doc H's point. Besides, is it really that much harder to dress for doctor?